Uncertainty & Sam Shepard Essay Example for Free

Uncertainty Sam Shepard Essay ‘Coalinga 1/2 way’ by Sam Shepard is an interesting portrayal of the nature of writing that is characteristic for this author. Part of a book that contains a series of similar stories, this short narrative is an emblem of the phenomena of uncertainty. It not only talks about this state for one person, but actually, for life in general. A feeling of intense solitude and pessimism is a distinguishing feature in the story. It primarily features the emotional state of a person, who has just left his wife and child for his lover; the latter on the other hand is to leave with her husband – something that is disclosed only at the end. The story depicts the immense emotional challenge of being at a crossroad in life, and having to choose between two ways that go completely opposite. Initially, the dilemma of the wife of the lead character is shown, accompanied by his unsure nature. He only resorts to telling her that he has left after he has left the house and is half way to his second destiny. This in turn tells us that not only he lacks sense of decision, but also the courage to disclose what he really feels. A similar trait is reflected when the wife insists that the child be told about this venture by the father himself. So it turns out that the gentlemen did not muster up the required nerves to disclose it to his family members in person. This also depicts the shallow and under confident nature of the person. Though it is a decision that he has taken which is anybody’s right, but he seems afraid of facing the consequences and hence he has restrained himself from explaining this to his wife on her face. He was uncertain about the reaction of the wife and hence he thought of doing it on the telephone. A hidden feeling of insecurity is also visible through this act. For if it were to be assumed that his act is the best way to go forward, then he should have not considered it right to do it in a sort of hideout. The story then takes its turn towards its end when we realize that the lady for whom he has left his family, is not willing to do the same with him; she already has plans with her husband. Here, he is left hanging, and asks the symbolic last question, â€Å"Where am I supposed to go? † The overall defeatist attitude, and the ultimate failure of this person speaks of how the author tends to portray the nature of his actions. It seems that the scriber does not agree with the decision that he has made, and thus ultimately punishes him to be left standing nowhere. With a negative impression overall, and dejected members of the story in total, the all encompassing picture presented in the story is that of not being sure as to which way life is going to turn the next moment. It seems that the author has projected his own feelings of uncertainty upon his main character, and has voiced through his emotions and words, his own question towards life; why do things not happen as per our plans? Though answers are not given for this question in the story, it is stated vehemently that our decisions can not be fulfilled as per our desires. Whether the wish is constructive or otherwise, what is important is that things did not turn out as were planned, leaving him at an unknown juncture in his life. With a mixture his lack of conviction, failure to decide convincingly and inability to face the music, the only grounds that he finds himself are uncertain ones. One is left with the feeling at the end, that if at such a crucial crossroad in life, things cannot go as we want them to, then what really is the true purpose and meaning of life. In all, nothing in life, seems for sure!

History and Marketing Strategy of Apple Inc

History and Marketing Strategy of Apple Inc History and background of the company: The history and the back ground of Apple Inc which used to be Apple Computers, Inc when they first started in California USA and become a multinational company which started from scratch. Apple Inc mainly deal with consumer electronics, computer software and commercial servers. Apples most famous products are iPhone, iPod and Macintosh computers. Apple was formed by Steven Paul Jobs 21 and Stephen Gary Wozniak 25, they created a first Apple computer on 1st April 1976 named Apple I. Apple was incorporated in 1977 in California (Apple website, FAQ). For about 20 year Apple computers Inc was predominantly a manufacturer of personal computers that includes Power Mac, Apple I, Apple II, Apple III and Macintosh lines but also faced unstable sales and low market shares. Steven Job resign the company in 1985 due to infighting and he rejoin in 1996 as a CEO of the company. He brought with him a new corporate philosophy of identifiable product and simple design. Introducing a great success of iPod music player in 2001, Apple become a leader in consumer electronic industry, dropping computer from its name and keeping on to release the iPad and iPhone. And in present Apple is one of the biggest technology company in the world, with the revenue of over $60 billion per annum[ Hormby Thomas, A history of Apples Lisa, 1979-1986, Low End Mac, 6th October 2005] [Apple website]. Strategy and Implementation Philosophy of identifiable product and simple design help Apple maintain their growth in early 80s and a huge part of success is due to its leadership in the education sector, which was one of the brilliant business strategy, education environment provided Apple with a great amount of loyal users around the world. They started targeting into education sector in Cupertino California by a very important agreement between Steve Job and Jim Baroux of (LCSI) Logo Computer Systems Inc, which was an agreement to donate one Apple II and one Apple LOGO software package to every public school in Texas. The idea was great and the philosophy behind that was that if they donate one package to each school then this would result in thirty more packages to sell, which is estimated as the number of students in one classroom at least and ofcourse some more purchases are possible from parents who wants to support the technology to make their children to stay aware of technology, learn more and get fami liar. This significant agreement between Apple Inc and Logo Computer System Inc (LCSI) was a great success though out the State, which establish a very strong and constant presence for Apple in the schools throughout California. This become Apple IIs era in schools right across the United States and the leadership of Apple in education sector around the world continues in the most critical time of 1980s. Therefore Apple made it extremely well in education sector as well as in the families, as parents carry on supporting the learning experience for their children after school [Wikipedia, Article, Apple Inc]. Technology used and Product/Services: Apple Inc mainly deal with consumer electronics, computer software and commercial servers. Apple is an example of itself when comes to technology, the technology they introduce since they first launched and until today. Although there was issues in some software they introduced as well as their Operating system that it is not users friendly but Apple keep identifying the issue efficiently and effectively, for example using Microsofts Power point compare to Apples keynote which takes powerPoint apart and figures out how the files work that makes it more user friendly [Bill Thompson, 19th Sep 2007, BBC News]. They are famous to introduce the best touch sensor in their products which includes Mac, iPhone, iPod and iPad recently, best example is iPhone which is still the leader in smart phone technology and introduced the best touch screen system in the market so far. Apple have introduced various operating system for its products like Macintosh, PowerBook, iPod, iPad and iPhone. Apple always use their own Operating system in all of their products, one of the most famous operating system is iOS which is used in iPhone and OS X, Mac OS X is the worlds most advanced operating system. Built on UNIX foundation and designed simple as of this is one of the fundamentals of the company. This is why Mac have a reputation of innovative, compatible, highly secure and user friendly [Apple website, Mac OS X, Over view]. OS X series includes Snow Leopard which was unveiled on 8th of June 2009 and was available to purchase in Cupertino, California and on their website and by 28th of August 2009 in the market throughout the world [Apple website, library, Mac OS Snow Leopard]. Mac OS X Versions are Mac OS X Server 1.0, Public Beta, then from 10.0 to the Latest version is Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard and 10.7 Lion announced on 20th of October 2010 and expected to release by 2011. Apple have also introduces digital cameras, portable CD audio players, speakers, video consoles and TV appliances [Wikipedia, Apple Inc, Mac OS X]. The main markets where Apple operates: Apple is a multinational company based in Cupertino, California and their product sales in more than 50 countries, one of the most recent successful product of Apple is iPhone, it is available in over 50 countries and more to be added in their network later and Apple iPhones are making their production company to increase their yearly products because the of their extreme success and they are selling it very well indeed and iPhones are increasing their market share day by day and quit fast. [Amit Bhawani, Information guide, Apple inc, smart phone launch, vodaphone] As the graph shows, their main markets where they operates are USA, Japan, Germany, France, Spain, Canada and UK, over all they are doing very well in Europe and USA itself, besides that they are also in Mexico, Netherland, Sweden, Austria, Finland, Italy, Belgium, Portugal, Switzerland, Denmark, Ireland, New Zealand, Hong Kong and now in India as well. Success of iPhone is a great boom to Apple Inc. Main Products and Ethical challenges: Apples worldwide smartphone shares boost upto 17% due to iPhone sales reached 7 million in 2009 including the continued version of iPhone 3GS and they are expected to be more because later in the same year they started selling iPhones in China, where as Chinese made a copy version of iPhone with different software but unable to beat the original one ofcourse. [Website Mac Rumors, News, Smartphone market worldwide] Worldwide mobile phone market experienced less growth as compare to their early years and in this year the growth was as low as 0.1 percent but smartphones was continuously growing their success and performance and growing their market upto 12.8 percent nearly every year. They face great competitors like Microsoft which is focusing on delivering software to cheap product personal computers while Apple delivers rich engineered products. Apple relied on high profit margins and never developed a clear response. Other competitors are IBM and Dell which are famous about their durability and have a good reputation in making computers. Product and Business Portfolio : Product portfolio plays important role in companys business success especially when come to competition. Product portfolio is to capture and understand customers need according to the market. Apples portfolio is to transform their customers into specifications of the product they are offerings. There has been criticism on iPhone and iPod that these devices has been locked/restricted into iTones and creating iTone Store monopoly but Apple keep ensuring that anyone but their product will be completely locked/restricted to an Apples created world. This portfolio keep the other competitors out in some aspects but is also become hard to justify some measures when creating a circle around the customers and keep competitors out. Although the fact that iTunes database format has already been cracked and the third party tool have been updated, example application like cydia which unlock iPhone and enable customers to download various applications and allow them to use their iPhone for all the network providers. But Apple is spending more time trying to ensure that anyone who purchase their product must completely locked in to Apple-centred world in which they use iTones for products like iPod and iPhone, buy from iTones Music store, and purchese only Apple-certified accessories. The new version of iTunes break the fix and they keep updating the versions of iPhone and iPod to lock the customers and other updated and therefore no third party tool is able to unlock the version unless it is certified by Apple itself [Bill Thompson, 2007, BBC News, Article in Technology section]. Corporate Change and Social welfare of employee: Apple was one of the highest successful companies founded in 70s, Corporate philosophy of identifiable product and simple design which was introduced by Steve Jobs. Apple cares about their employees and provide them various facilities and benefits that includes, staff discount, paid holidays, maternity leaves, annual bonus and friendly and learning environment. Quality: Apples relies on best quality for their customers as of their product is design to provide the best output, high profile and highly priced due to their basic strategy of high profit margin on each product and keeping their market stable. They launch the best quality product and improvise it in later versions as required by their customers. They also manage to maintain their product quality with their corporate philosophy of identifiable product and simple design.

Why The Berlin Wall Was Assembled Essay

Why The Berlin Wall Was Assembled Essay To fully understand why The Berlin Wall was assembled, one must know of the events that took place. This wall for 28 years separated families, friends and a nation. Perhaps the major reasons it was assembled were for political and economical issues. Politically, the West side was interfering with the Russian Sector (East side). Economically, all of the citizens from East Germany were getting well educated there and moved to West Berlin for work. In this paper, I will explain the events and circumstances that led to the construction of the Berlin Wall. After the World War II in 1945, the Nazi Germany surrendered, the 4 allied countries, the United States, Great Britain, France and Russia signed the Potsdam Agreement treaty which determined the borders for Germany and Berlin. The Potsdam Agreement divided Germany and Berlin into four administrative zones. The United States, Great Britain and France combined to control three divisions in the Western half of Germany and Berlin, which eventually united to make a federal republic and made the three divided parts West Germany (Berlin 2002). The Eastern portion of Germany and Berlin were controlled by the Russia/Soviet Republic, later to become communist and made East Berlin the capital of East Germany (Tusa 1997). After the division, the economics of daily living was more acute in East Germany than in West Germany. Many suffered under repressions of the Communist party because of a communist system. Like the Soviet Union, the economy was struggling to get back on their feet after the war. It was said that East Germany was much like a Mini Moscow (Tusa 1997). The stores were literally empty and what good they did have were not of good quality. There were shortages of housing, food and health care. The economic of daily living in the West was much better. The economy was a lively urban area much like American cities. This is partially because West Germany and West Berlin were able to get from the United States through the Marshall Plan. (Grathwol 1994). Initially the division between East and West Berlin were uncertain because there was nothing to divide the city. For over ten year after the official separation, East Berlin saw a major emigration of East Germans who were unhappy with the communist system. With nothing to physically separate the East from the West, emigration was from totalitarianism to democracy was as easy as changing classrooms. The Soviet Union went against their promise to the people of East Germany and turned the country to Communist country. This decision separated East Germany even more from the rest of Europe. By the summer of 1952, East Germany was by it self and the border between East and West Germany was closed. Only the border in Berlin was open. (Berlin 2002) Most of the residents of East Berlin and East Germany did not like the communist regime. In fact, most people were not communists. On June 17, 1953, the people of East Germany became dissatisfied with the economic and political conditions of the German Democratic Republic (GDR). And started a riot and marched through the Brandenburg Gate into West Germany. Their intensions were to be combined with the workers of West Germany. To break up the riot, the Soviet Union called in tanks and troops that shot into the crowd on both sides killing or injuring many of them. Realizing that they were trapped and if they wanted to escape East Germany, they would have to risk their lives. It is estimated that by each day 8,000 to 10,000 people left East Germany to escape further west (Taylor 2007). This damaged the creditability and the workforce of the German Democratic Republic. For most of the emigrants under the age of sixty between 1949 and 1961, the legal process for lawful emigration was leng thy and difficult. This successfully in discouraged the young people from leaving the country. Since the elderly had no big role in the growth of the Communist State, emigration for them was fairly easy. To put an end to emigration, it was proposed to build a high wall. This idea later became The Berlin Wall. Winston Churchill would later name this barrier the Iron Curtain. The Berlin Wall was built on August 13, 1961. The German Communist leader under the command of Stalin, Walter Ulbricht organized the construction of a large wall to be built in order to restrain illegal emigration from the East to the West (Taylor 2007). On August 13, 1961, the Soviet premier at that time, Nikita Khrushchev, ordered the Berlin wall built to stop the flow of refugees. (Berlin 2002) In 24 hours, the streets of Berlin were ripped up; barricades of paving stones were erected; tanks were gathered at crucial places and subways and local railway services were interrupted, so that within a day the West of Berlin was completely sealed off from the East (Grathwol 1994). There were many escape tunnels dug under the wall. The tunnel system was dug by hundreds of East Berlin students unexpectedly. The first successful tunnel was in an East Berlin Graveyard and the largest tunnel was found in the basement of a home at number sixty Wernerstrasse. Twenty nine people were freed from this location. That same day citizens of East Berlin and 60,000 commuters were no longer allowed to enter the West side of the city. The GDR claimed that the barricade had been raised to prevent a third world war. On August 23, 1961, GDR ordered all subways, railroads and telephone lines going into West Berlin to be stopped (Bowman 1998). The citizens of East Berlin were no longer allowed to enter West Berlin, including the sixty-thousand workers who worked in West Berlin. However East Berliners still managed to get out through bribery, cigarettes and money. After some people still managed to scale the wall, there was a ban on the sale of rope and twine. On September 20, 1961, to begin construction on the second more permanent concrete wall, the GDR demolished all of the houses near the wall. The Berlin Wall consisted of 67 miles of concrete segment wall which was four meters high, 42 miles of wire mesh fencing, 65 miles of anti-vehicle trenches, 79 miles of signal fence, 302 watchtowers, and 20 bunkers. (Taylor 2007). There behind all of that was a second wall which was called no mans land or death strip. It cut off one hundred-ninety two streets (Taylor 2007). This area made it easy to spot footprints because of the raked gravel; was mined and booby-trapped with tripwires and it offered a clear field of fire to the armed guards who were instructed to shoot on sight. The main crossing point for the American sector of West Berlin was at checkpoint Charley which was six hundred-eighty feet west of the Brandenburg Gate. On October 27, 1961, the United States sent tanks; jeeps and soldiers to Checkpoint to guarantee entrance of US offic ials to West Berlin (Berlin 2002). The wall divided Berlin through the center and the outer part of the city and on the border between West and East Germany, from the Baltic Sea southward through the center of Germany all the way to Hildburghausen. From there it went east toward the border of Czechoslovakia (Taylor 2007). While the wall was being constructed, the United States was opposed to the establishment of the Wall. President John F. Kennedy was crucial to the cause, declaring his commitment with the infamous words: As a free man, I take pride in the words Ich bin ein Berliner (I am a Berliner) (Taylor 2007). At the verge of a nuclear war, the United States and the Soviet Union reached a conclusion, but the Berlin Wall remained but by the mid 80s the relationship between the East and West Germany began to transform. The end of the German Democratic Republic and the Berlin Wall began when Hungary opened its doors to the west. Passage between Communist states was unrestricted; therefore, East Germans could go from East Germany to Hungary and from there to West Germany or any other Western European state. East Germany began to reform. Gunter Schakowsky, the leader of the East Berlin communist party announced on November 9, 1989 that the border to West Berlin would be opened for private trips out of the country. Shortly after his announcement, citizens began hammering and using chisels to knock out pieces of the wall. The Wall had fallen (Taylor 2007). Between November 10, 1989 and later on December 22, 1989 checkpoints were opened for pedestrians at Potsdamer Platz and the Brandenburg Gate. Finally on July 1, 1990 East and West Germany were united and assumed West Germanys old name, The Federal Republic of Germany. All restrictions between East Germany and West Germany were released. The entire wall was taken down (Berlin 2002). In conclusion, the Berlin Wall was erected for political, economical, as a way for the Soviet Union to maintain their communist system and prevent brain drain in East German. These tactics did not improve the situation for East German as the people did not like the communist regime and still found ways to escape. While the erection of The Berlin Wall did not prove to be successful for the Soviet Union; the fall of the wall reunited families, friends and a divided nation back together.

Literature - Power and the Subject Essay -- Literature Essays Literary

Power and the Subject    Power is a misnomer. An attempt to adequately define power will ultimately reveal more about the invisible but all too real limits of language. Such a result may seem horrifying, a direct assault on our sense of reason, and, perhaps, it is. Power resists the reasonable request to adhere to the boundaries of its own definition. Power can and upon occasion does exhibit a quality or intensity observed and captured in the written word; yet there is something slippery which allows power to defy a totalizing description. Power is active. Write as we may, power will not be objectified. Any discourse on power thus begins with this disadvantage. There is much to be learned, however, from a study of power, knowledge more valuable than a simplistic definition. By focusing on where power exists and has existed we can also discuss how power relates to or has impact upon knowledge, ethics, and the individual.         Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   " 'I mean that in human relations...power is always   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   present...These relations are changeable,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   reversible, and understandable' " (McCarthy 139).       Like Foucault, my inquiry into power may be founded not in a desire to discover the true nature of power but to gain a new method of approaching and understanding human relations.    A fundamental question that presents itself in the face of power and demands to be reckoned with is the question of the subject. A concept of the individual, whether seen as a historically bound effect of power like Foucault or an autonomous unique creative force like Habermas, seems to underlie and shape any description, definition, or discussion of power. For the mom... ...niversity of New York Press,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   1992.    McCarthy, Thomas. "The Critique of Impure Reason: Foucault   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   and the Frankfurt School" In Rethinking Power. Thomas   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   E. Wartenberg Ed. New York: State University of New   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   York Press, 1992.    Spivak, Gayatri Chakravorty. "More on Power/Knowledge". In   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Rethinking Power. Thomas E. Wartenberg Ed. New York:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   State University of New York Press, 1992.    Wartenberg, Thomas E. "Situated Social Power" In Rethinking   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Power. Thomas E. Wartenberg Ed. New York: State   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   University of New York Press, 1992.    Young, Iris Marion. "The Five Faces of Oppression". In   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Rethinking Power. Thomas E. Wartenberg Ed. New York:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   State University of New York Press, 1992.   

Cocaine Essay -- Essays Papers

Cocaine First of all this research paper will examine the history of cocaine, answer exactly who used it, effects of the drug and its addictive nature. People choose to write about cocaine so that others can clearly see and understand its historical origins and dangerous properties. Those who experiment with drugs should become aware of their dangerous effects and take caution. The more people that become knowledgeable about cocaine, the more they can protect themselves from seriously endangering themselves. Cocaine users that are seriously dependent on the drug can seek treatment and rehabilitate. Most cocaine users do not realize they have a problem until it becomes too late. Much like the alcoholic, a cocaine dependent’s body has accepted the drug and is used to it being in the body’s system. When the body needs it, and the user does not have it, withdrawal takes place. In this case, a long, gradual process of lessening the dosage is the only route for success. Experiments were conducted involving the effects of crack cocaine on case studies in Toronto. It is important that people monitor and stay knowledgeable about cocaine, â€Å"as medical experiments done at the turn of the century lacked today’s sophistication† (Karch A Brief History of Cocaine 11). These case studies are crucial to research if we are to fully understand the drug, its effects and its addictive nature. We can also observe from a safe pedestal the effect it has on society as a whole. This information was never really made public in the past, because researchers did not know much about the drug to begin with. In Toronto, â€Å"a core premise of media and law enforcement claims of an epidemic is that crack’s quick and intense high quickly leads to com... ...rt moment, their problems disappear. In the article, â€Å"Resisting Cocaine’s Tragic Lure† by Farrington, a recovering cocaine addict said it best by exclaiming, â€Å"I was always looking for the answer to the question ‘How can I feel better?’†¦it never occurred to me I could do that on my own [without drugs].† Work Cited Karch, Steven B. The Pathology of Drug Abuse. Boca Raton, FL: CBC Press, 1993. Karch, Steven B. A Brief History of Cocaine. Boca Raton, FL: CBC Press, 2000. Erickson, Pat.,et al. The Steel Drug. New York: Lexington Books, 1987. Farrington, Jan. â€Å"Resisting Cocaine’s Tragic Lure.† Current Health 25.6 (1999): 6-13. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Roesch Library, Dayton. 14 Oct. 2002. Carpenter, S. â€Å"Cocaine Use Boosts Heart- Attack Risk.† Science News 155.23 (1999): 356. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Roesch Library, Dayton. 14 Oct. 2002 Cocaine Essay -- Essays Papers Cocaine First of all this research paper will examine the history of cocaine, answer exactly who used it, effects of the drug and its addictive nature. People choose to write about cocaine so that others can clearly see and understand its historical origins and dangerous properties. Those who experiment with drugs should become aware of their dangerous effects and take caution. The more people that become knowledgeable about cocaine, the more they can protect themselves from seriously endangering themselves. Cocaine users that are seriously dependent on the drug can seek treatment and rehabilitate. Most cocaine users do not realize they have a problem until it becomes too late. Much like the alcoholic, a cocaine dependent’s body has accepted the drug and is used to it being in the body’s system. When the body needs it, and the user does not have it, withdrawal takes place. In this case, a long, gradual process of lessening the dosage is the only route for success. Experiments were conducted involving the effects of crack cocaine on case studies in Toronto. It is important that people monitor and stay knowledgeable about cocaine, â€Å"as medical experiments done at the turn of the century lacked today’s sophistication† (Karch A Brief History of Cocaine 11). These case studies are crucial to research if we are to fully understand the drug, its effects and its addictive nature. We can also observe from a safe pedestal the effect it has on society as a whole. This information was never really made public in the past, because researchers did not know much about the drug to begin with. In Toronto, â€Å"a core premise of media and law enforcement claims of an epidemic is that crack’s quick and intense high quickly leads to com... ...rt moment, their problems disappear. In the article, â€Å"Resisting Cocaine’s Tragic Lure† by Farrington, a recovering cocaine addict said it best by exclaiming, â€Å"I was always looking for the answer to the question ‘How can I feel better?’†¦it never occurred to me I could do that on my own [without drugs].† Work Cited Karch, Steven B. The Pathology of Drug Abuse. Boca Raton, FL: CBC Press, 1993. Karch, Steven B. A Brief History of Cocaine. Boca Raton, FL: CBC Press, 2000. Erickson, Pat.,et al. The Steel Drug. New York: Lexington Books, 1987. Farrington, Jan. â€Å"Resisting Cocaine’s Tragic Lure.† Current Health 25.6 (1999): 6-13. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Roesch Library, Dayton. 14 Oct. 2002. Carpenter, S. â€Å"Cocaine Use Boosts Heart- Attack Risk.† Science News 155.23 (1999): 356. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Roesch Library, Dayton. 14 Oct. 2002

Abington Hill Toys

ABINGTON-HILL TOYS, INC. 1. INTRODUCTION Abington-Hill Toys’ new president, Vernon Albright, hires a new company comptroller, David Hartly. Hartly’s first task was to complete an analysis of the firm’s condition and generate financial planning for the company. 2. METHODOLOGY A. Current ratio B. Acid-test ratio C. Inventory Turnover Ratio D. Debt-Equity ratio E. Gross Margin F. Net Profit Margin G. Z Score 3. SOLUTION A. 280,000/290,000=. 97 B. 130,000/290,000=. 45 C. 900,000/150,000=6 D. 490,000/710,000=. 69 E. 300,000/1,200,000=. 25 F. 60,480/1,200,000=. 05 G. 1. (-10,000/1,200,000)+1. 4(60,480/1,200,000)+3. 3(126,000/1,200,000)+ 1. 05(1,200,000/1,200,000)=1. 46 4. CONCLUSION The current ratio of . 97 means for every $. 97 of current assets, Abington Hill Toys has $1 of current liabilities. Since the current ratio is less than the standard of 3. 5, Abington Hill Toys implies a high risk and a probable incapability to generate sufficient working capital to meet i ts short-term needs. The acid-test ratio of . 45 is less than half of its current ratio which means Abington Hill Toys’ inventory comprises of more than half of its current assets.The inventory turnover ratio of 6 is higher than 5 which is the standard for companies in this industry. Since this ratio is higher than average, Abington Hill Toys is showing strong sales. The higher than standard inventory ratio could also mean ineffective buying of inventory. The debt-equity ratio of . 69 means Abington Hill Toys has $. 69 of debt to every dollar of equity. This would put them in at a lower risk to enhance financial leverage. The gross margin is at 25%. This means Abington Hill Toys is only profiting 25% above their direct costs. This is equivalent to the standard of other companies in this industry.The net profit margin of 5% is less than the standard of 8%. Abington Hill Toys’ net profit margin means equity holders will only receive 5% from every dollar after all expense s, interest, and taxes are paid. The low Z score of 1. 46 would sway me to not lend the money. By Altman’s scale, Abington Hill Toys has a 95% chance of going into bankruptcy in 12 months. Along with the high probability of going into bankruptcy within 12 months, the net profit margin of 5% doesn’t seem worthwhile. I would rather invest in something safer for that low of a return.

Race and Ethnicity Essay

A variety of factors within our society prevent equal opportunity. We still live in a racialized society where the color of our skin often determines how we are treated. Many white people do not recognize, or want to recognize that race still significantly impacts lives. Many white people are taught growing up not to think as racial beings, and this may contribute to many denying the privileges that go along with being white. Historically, the goal for equality and opportunity for everyone has not always existed and this has caused a heavy influence on society today. My research focuses on and investigates knowledge and perception on the importance of race, and how denial affects us all. White privilege is a social relation that benefits white persons over non-white persons. A said advantage enjoyed by persons of a socially privileged class based on the color of their skin. A racial category, which involves European-Americans and the â€Å"invisible norm† (IAW. 350) against other racial categories. It’s important to understand white privilege and how it affects society. A lack of understanding and recognition of unearned privilege may lead us to lack a desire to create a diverse atmosphere, and ways we can be more aware. White privilege may affect how we interact with each other and how those who do not share such advantages are affected. Some question, if white privilege still exists, and if it’s that big of a deal. And, if so, how can we work on reducing these effects? The idea of white privilege is said to divide whites and blacks into their own economic categories. While white people are given opportunities and benefits, dark colored skin people may be at a disadvantage to these opportunities and benefits. â€Å"Many analysis of white privilege interpret whiteness as an intangible economic good† ( Black Reconstruction in America: W. E. B. Du Bois. ). White privilege is the original form of racism that has existed throughout much of American history. Race has been used to define cultural categories of ‘white’ and ‘non-white’ human beings. Whites were defined as being the superior species and blacks were considered inferior and incapable of advancing themselves. The history of this way of thinking and racism go back hundreds of years and is the foundation of white privilege. Institutions gave preferential treatment to people whose ancestors came from Europe compared to people whose ancestors came from Asia and Africa. The white class was granted political and economic rights that people of color were denied. These past laws and the idea of race is what have directly contributed to our social inequalities, but do social inequalities currently exist? Many people today will contest that white privilege does in fact still exist. Most often, the person contesting is a white person being accused of enjoying social privilege simply because they are white. White privilege is a term that universally describes and views all white people as being granted with these advantages, but the majority of white people have to work hard to get to the position they desire. These positions aren’t reserved based on the color of our skin. We aren’t born with the right for a free ride, and we earn our way up just as any other person has to. This seems to be accurate and may give a quality argument to white privilege. Although, for white people born with greater resources it may be hard to see, and may not feel privileged or more powerful than others. Growing up comfortable and privileged may just be a way of life that we take for granted, unconsciously knowing we do. â€Å"Many people are unaware of their preferences for lighter skin† (The Persistent Problem of Racism: Skin tone, Status and Inequality. 238). Those who do enjoy these white privileges, it’s just normal. However; white privilege does vary depending on many factors. This may include sex, age, socioeconomic status and others. White skin may in fact be the favored group in our society. Statistics have shown white men and women hold more power positions than black men and women. We may be unaware that being white matters, but we still participate, intentionally or not. In her essay Seeing and Making Culture, Hooks, describes what it is like growing up poor. She says, â€Å"Many middle class black folks have no money because they regularly distribute their earnings among a larger kinship group where folks are poor and destitute† (IAW. 433). As I read this essay I noticed the terms ‘black’ and ‘white’ were used many times to describe a person. Also, it was as if she was implying most black people are poor and white people portray an economic class privilege image. She does acknowledge white poor people, but seems to focus on being black and poor. She explains what college was like as a young black girl, and says, â€Å"Students in the dormitory were quick to assume that anything missing had been taken by the black and Filipina women who worked there† (IAW. 433). The essays claim is the way we see and judge poor people, but it makes an attempt to acknowledge disadvantaged poor black people as well. This is an example of the way humans group other humans, stereotyping by race. As a white person we may feel being viewed as white and privileged people will automatically think we are spoiled jerks. The creation of our system in which race codes superiority over others has been bestowed upon us. Even though it’s confusing it’s purposeful American history. We must remind ourselves this system is not based on each individual white persons intentions to continue claiming that white privilege is rightly ours. Regardless of our personal intent the effects are the same. Our society, throughout history, sees white as normal and all other races as different from normal. Today, white people’s privileges may be something we cannot not get. For example, if I buy a box of band aids that say flesh color, I know it means the color of my white skin. White people have been educated to understand our culture and our race as being the social norm. Social norm is defined as beliefs within a society of appropriate behavioral expectations. An example of behavioral expectations of our white society is a young white boy reading a book as the social norm, but a young black boy reading a book is ‘acting white’. The white boy seemingly normal but the black boy performing a ‘white persons’ behavior. Comedian Chris Rock often talks of white privilege, and uses the issue in his stand-up routines almost always. At one point he says to an audience of many white people, â€Å"None of ya would change places with me! And I’m rich! That’s how good it is to be white! It’s not like slavery ended and then everything has been amazing† (Chris Rock. About America). Even in an interview about life as a comedian he says, â€Å"Black people have first- hand knowledge on racism† (Chris Rock. Hilarious Interview). Racism is so deeply rooted in our society. Is it even possible for people of any skin color to just look at people as humans? It is assumed, no matter our skin color, we gravitate to people who look like ourselves. This includes personality, religion, morals as well as features. We are naturally attracted and comfortable with people who resemble ourselves. This seems like a normal behavior. It doesn’t necessarily mean we dislike other races. Regardless of skin color, people who are white/black/brown, all discriminate against other races and cultures. Most all humans are guilty of making judgments against another before knowing or learning anything about the person. This applies to people of all groups and of any color for many different reasons. It is an unconscious act, and a part of our human nature. White privilege is an unwilling and non-owned racism that has been ingrained into our mindset throughout history. Racism comes from both sides. People of all colors are continuing these behaviors and racism continues to be a modern day battle. Racism is affecting us all. If white privilege is inequality among races it is creating dysfunctional relationships between races. Many black people feel white people have an obligated duty to clean up the racist messes they have created throughout history. People with dark skin have negative feelings toward people with light skin for slavery and civil rights. How is this fair? Most people dislike racism, and this includes white people. Our society has created a practice of stereotyping into categories by skin color. Many white people feel targeted for their white privilege. Are we in denial white privilege still exists, or is it a misunderstanding? It has been said an advantage of white privilege is white people having more wealth that is being passed from generation to generation. We benefit from this financial assistance giving white people a better starting point in life. Although, in my experience, my family and ancestors have worked hard for their money and some of my family living in poverty. I have not benefited from any wealth being passed down to me. Throughout history white people have worked hard and in return they claim the land and wealth. Is white privilege today being confused for cultural differences, or are we taught not to recognize it? â€Å"Many white Americans have lived under the assumption that if they worked hard, they would be rewarded. Now more white Americans are sharing unemployment lines with â€Å"those people† – black and brown† (Tim Wise. White Like Me. ). People of color say they worry about being discriminated against for the color of their skin. They feel disadvantaged when seeking housing, employment or simply shopping in stores. They feel they have worked just as hard as white people, but they still don’t make it to their level of success. Also saying having light skin is one less worry white people have, and People who are poor and white, still have the benefit of ‘looking white’ and the advantages that come along with having white skin. White people have even claimed the identity of who we are as Americans. It seems history continues to echo, making ‘white’ the default race in America. There are Asian Americans, African Americans, Mexican Americans and Americans, and we automatically assume American is a Caucasian person, without adding something extra to the name. It seems white dominates the American population. A white American is considered to be the model race. It has been consistent that white is the national identity. White people are the majority in most regions. We have stayed confined in a world that doesn’t challenge this distribution of power and this allows continued inequality and injustice in the United States. Shouldn’t we understand there’s only one race, the human race? As humans we are different. We have different hair color, eye color, personality and skin color. â€Å"The accident of where one is born is just that, an accident† (IAW. 669). Is the idea of different races ignorant thinking, I mean we can all reproduce with one another! My first day of high school I was surprised when I stepped out of my mother’s car and looked around to see the majority of students were black or brown. I have to admit I was a bit intimidated. I was worried I may not fit in. This high school was very multicultural. Still today, when I tell people where I went to high school they may make a racist joke, or say, â€Å"oh the gangster school†. I get irritated, because it’s a typical stereotype. My experience was ok. I had friends with brown, black and white skin. We all came from different backgrounds, but we were all very close friends, and most of us are still today. Some of my dark skinned friends would joke around and call me white devil or white girl. It was ok and considered normal for the dark skinned kids to make jokes about the white kids, but NOT ok for the white kids to make jokes about brown/black kids. Although, we made friendships work, the white kids never completely fit in to the cliques. We were the ‘white’ boy or girl of the group. â€Å"Back when television was dominant, young whites could consume black style and expressive culture† (IAW. 514). This describes almost every white boy or girl, and my high school experience. And now today, â€Å"the racial perceptions and biases we develop in our off-line lives, they conclude, likely creep into our online lives† (IAW. 515). So, just like my real-life high school experience, it has continued into our new age technologically advanced generation, where social media is taking over. Myspace and facebook are the new age cliques. And, as in the real world, is racially divided. It is being said more white people are using facebook and darker skinned people are using myspace. â€Å"Researchers began to ponder how social inequalities impact engagement with the internet† (IAW. 506). Social media mirrors our social divides in the real physical world. People migrate towards others who share the same values and beliefs, and who they are most comfortable interacting with. â€Å"Social inequalities still matter in the physical world. And as we are learning they also matter in the virtual world† (IAW. 507).